Preparing You for Surgery — PAES

The Sharp Grossmong Hospital PAES Department is a welcoming environment for patients and their families.
The Sharp Grossmont Hospital PAES Department is a welcoming environment for patients and their families.
At Sharp Grossmont Hospital, we understand that the presurgery process is an important step to your overall health and well being. To facilitate this process, Sharp Grossmont offers Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation Services (PAES), a team of nurses dedicated to ensuring your safety and peace of mind throughout your surgical experience. It's a part of our commitment to provide you with the highest level care and service, which we call The Sharp Experience.

What Is PAES?
Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation Services is a process designed to help you prepare for your surgical procedure. The PAES department is open Monday through Friday, except holidays, 7 am to 6:30 pm.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Sharp Grossmont's PAES. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please call the PAES department at 619-740-5180.

What is the pre-registration process?
A patient access representative will review your patient information before your surgery. Immediately following your PAES appointment, you will be referred to suite 100 in the same building for pre-registration with your insurance card and picture identification.

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What is preadmission testing?
Certain procedures or medical conditions may require your doctor to order routine testing such as lab work, EKGs and select X-rays. An anesthesiologist may request additional studies based on your medical history.

For many of our health plans, laboratory testing must be performed at designated laboratories. Your PAES nurse will be able to advise you of all the specifics at your appointment.

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Staff members are available to answer questions to help meet patients' health care needs.
Staff members are available to answer questions to help meet patients' health care needs.
What does the nursing interview evaluation entail?
A registered nurse will discuss your health history with you, including your previous surgeries, allergies, known medical conditions or other relevant information. Should specific questions arise, the PAES nurse may discuss these with our perioperative nurse practitioner or with one of our anesthesiologists.

The nurse will also discuss surgery preparation, procedure and day-of discharge plan. We encourage you to download and complete copies of the Pre-Anesthesia Questionnaire and Home Medication List before your visit. Information will be provided regarding your specific surgery, pain management plan and any safety issues.

Any additional lab tests, X-rays, EKGs or other procedures ordered by your physician may be done at this time.

If you are unable to provide your medical history or if English is not your primary language, please have an adult with you who can provide that information on your behalf.

Interpretation services are also available.

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How should I prepare for surgery?
Patients should check in on the day of surgery at the Outpatient Services desk located on Level A of the main hospital. Please print the Sharp Grossmont Hospital map to bring with you.

The following instructions will help you prepare for your surgical procedure:

  • Bathe or shower and brush your teeth before you leave home to reduce chance of infection. Please refrain from applying powder, lotion, perfume, deodorant or makeup.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight beginning on the evening prior to surgery, including water, coffee, hard candy or gum.
  • Do not smoke for at least 12 hours prior to your surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and the amount of pain you feel after your surgery.
  • If you are 17 years of age or younger, a parent or guardian must accompany you.
  • If you are scheduled as an outpatient, a responsible adult must be available to drive you home after your surgery for safety reasons.
  • Notify your surgeon of fever, vomiting, cuts, rashes near the surgical site or if you become ill on the morning of surgery.
  • Plan to wear loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes.
  • You may need to arrange for someone to stay with you when you return home.

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The private exam room enables patients to have one-on-one counsel with their health care provider.
The private exam room enables patients to have one-on-one counsel with their health care provider.
What should I expect the day of surgery?
On the day of your surgery, please remember to:

  • Be on time.
  • Bring medication and allergy lists, unless these items were given to the nurse for preadmission testing.
  • Bring your glasses and/or contact lens case. Contact lenses must be removed before surgery.
  • Remove all jewelry and limit valuables to only what you require during your stay.
  • Take only the medications you have been instructed to on the morning of your procedure with a sip of water.

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How do I make an appointment?
A PAES department nurse will contact you to make an appointment. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5 pm.

  • For questions about your spine surgery, please call 619-740-5189
  • For questions about your total joint surgery, please call 619-740-5184

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What should I bring to my PAES appointment?

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Where is PAES located?
PAES is conveniently located adjacent to Sharp Grossmont Hospital at:

Grossmont Medical Terrace
8860 Center Drive, Level 2, Suite 210 
La Mesa, CA 91942
Get directions 

Park in Parking Structure 4, located behind the building. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes. Every additional 15 minutes is 75 cents, with a maximum of $3. Parking is free with a handicap placard.

Review a campus map before you arrive to familiarize yourself with the location.

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How do I contact PAES?
You can contact PAES Monday through Friday, except holidays, 7:30 am to 5 pm, by calling 619-740-5180. The PAES fax number is 619-740-8588.

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